Early Years Curriculum Guide
2016-17
Understanding the Curriculum Our Early Years curriculum for children in Nursery (Preschool) and Reception (Junior Kindergarten) integrates the best components of the International Primary Curriculum and follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.
International Primary Curriculum The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) is thematic, creative and employs specific goals for learning in each subject as well as for personal development. The curriculum applies a global approach that helps children connect learning to where they are living now and view learning from the perspectives of people in other countries. To aid learning, teachers chose the following themes. They ensure a varied and exciting curriculum that follows an appropriate progression of skills and helps children reach their highest potential.
AUTUMN SPRING SUMMER
All About Me Houses and Homes Nursery Plants and Flowers Animals Transport All About Me Clothes Reception Changes Treasure Up and Away
Early Years Foundation Stage Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets standards for the learning, development and care of children at birth to age five. It ensures children’s readiness for Primary School and provides a broad range of knowledge and skills that form a strong foundation for future progress through school and life. EYFS integrates four guiding principles that shape learning:
1. Every child is a unique child, constantly learning and resilient, capable, confident and self-assured. 2. Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships. 3. Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs and there’s a strong partnership between practitioners and parents and/or carers. 4. Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates.
Positive Enabling Learning and A Unique Child + Relationships + Environments = Development Areas of Learning and Development As part of EYFS, children play, explore, create and think critically through a variety of activities shaped by the seven Areas of Learning and Development. We use these inter-connected areas to promote children’s individual interests and unique learning needs. The three Prime Areas are particularly crucial for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and for building their capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive. Learning in the three Prime Areas is strengthened and applied in the four Specific Areas. The activities, stories and games through which learning takes place in each area are challenging, exciting and fuel progress towards learning outcomes. Through a mix of child-initiated and adult-led experiences that are relevant to the children’s lives, we also encourage effective listening and positive behavior.
Physical Mathematics Development
Communication Understanding Literacy & Language the World Personal, Social Expressive Arts & Emotional & Design Development
Prime Areas of Learning and Development COMMUNICATION & LANGUAGE In this area, children have opportunities to experience a rich language environment and develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves while speaking and listening in a range of situations. We also ignite their interest in reading and writing.
Children study French and Spanish as part of this area. They learn greetings and introductions, and also how to speak about colors, numbers, food and transport. In learning to speak these languages, children also explore the associated cultures.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT Here, children enjoy opportunities to be active and interactive, and to develop their coordination, control and movement. They also learn basic principles of health and self-care, including the importance of physical activity and making healthy choices in relation to food.
PERSONAL, SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT (PSED) This area involves helping children develop a positive sense of themselves and others. They develop social skills and learn about making relationships. Children also learn how to manage their feelings and demonstrate appropriate behavior. The overarching theme is self-confidence and self-awareness. Specific Areas of Learning and Development LITERACY Literacy development involves encouraging children to link sounds and letters, and to begin to read and write. Children have access to a wide range of reading materials, including books, poems and other written work.
MATHEMATICS The Mathematics area provides children with opportunities to improve their skills in counting and understanding and using numbers. They calculate simple addition and subtraction problems, and learn how to describe shapes, spaces and measures. This area supports children’s understanding in different situations by providing opportunities to explore, practice, learn and talk.
UNDERSTANDING THE WORLD Children make sense of their physical world and their community through activities that help them observe and learn about people, places, technology and the environment. Learning is based on first-hand experiences that involve making predictions and decisions, and taking part in discussions.
EXPRESSIVE ARTS & DESIGN Here, children use their imaginations and work with various media and materials. They’re encouraged to share their thoughts, feelings and ideas by creating art and music, taking part in movement, dance and role play, and exploring design and technology. Through these activities, children learn to value their own ideas and those of others. This area particularly supports children’s curiosity and desire to play.
Sample Timetable Children develop their skills and understanding in the seven Areas of Learning by taking part in a number of courses and activities, as outlined in the following sample timetable. Following lunch, children have an opportunity to rest for 25 minutes. During this session, children participate in quiet activities and may also nap if they wish.
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
8:25 A.M. Assembly Assembly Assembly Assembly Assembly 9:00 A.M. Math English Math English Math 9:50 A.M. Guided Reading Guided Reading Guided Reading Guided Reading Guided Reading 10:15 A.M. Break Break Break Break Break 10:40 A.M. English Math English Math English 11:55 A.M. Physical Development Physical Development Physical Development Physical Development Physical Development 12:20 P.M. Lunch & Quiet Time Lunch & Quiet Time Lunch & Quiet Time Lunch & Quiet Time Lunch & Quiet Time 1:10 P.M. Music French Music French PSED 1:35 P.M. Creative Development Dance Creative Development Dance 2:00 P.M. Break Break Break Break Break Understanding the Understanding the 2:25 P.M. Creative Development Creative Development PSED World World 3:15 P.M. Sharing Sharing Sharing Sharing Sharing Assessment
Purpose of Assessment Assessment is the gathering and analysis of information about student performance. It identifies what students know, understand, can do and feel at different stages in the learning process; this information guides teachers in instruction. Assessment is an ongoing and daily part of school life, and the formative comments students receive develop their understanding of the skills and knowledge required to be successful in each course. At BISC South Loop, the aims and purpose of assessment are to: • Provide information to enhance and improve learning and teaching. • Provide information for target-setting for individuals, groups and cohorts. • Share learning goals with students. • Involve students in self-assessment. • Help students know and recognize the standards they’re aiming for. • Raise standards of learning. • Identify children for intervention. • Inform parents of their son/daughter’s progress. • Complete a critical self-evaluation of the school. • Measure progress and value added.
Academic Reports Academic reports describe children’s academic and social development and list targets in all subjects for the child to concentrate on before the next report. Nursery and Reception teachers communicate with families about children’s achievement and progress in two academic reports: 1. October Half-Term 2. Beginning of June
There are regular parent consultations with teachers scheduled during the school year. Parents may also meet with teachers outside of the consultation dates.
Tapestry In addition to academic reports, we also use an online learning journal called Tapestry for children in Nursery and Reception. Tapestry enables you to see exactly what your child is learning each day. For any given activity, the teacher will take a photo or video of your child’s participation and upload it along with a written observation, which is sent directly to your smartphone.
Questions?
BISC South Loop Headmaster 161 W. 9th Street Michael Horton Chicago, IL 60605 [email protected]
(773) 599-BISC Primary School Leader John Biggs www.bischicagosl.org [email protected]
Dean of Early Years Ryan Williams [email protected]